Palau Travel Guide

Palau is magical. For such a tiny area of land, it packs a huge punch. You will be overwhelmed by Palau’s extraordinary array of natural wonders. It is made up of about 200 mostly pristine limestone and volcanic islands, covered in an emerald forest, and surrounded by a beautiful turquoise lagoon. So of course, diving is the number one activity here, with world class dive sites. Divers affirm that Palau has an exciting seascape, with fascinating wrecks and a stunning marine life, dubbed the underwater Serengeti. When the underwater wonders have finished working their magic on you, there are other adventure options. Kayaking, snorkeling and off-road driving are great, with the added appeal of fantastic settings. And for history buffs there are plenty of WWII relics scattered in the jungle, as well as a handful of well-organized museums in Koror, Palau’s largest town. Our Palau Travel Guide will give you all the information and tools to start planning your vacation to this wonderful place.

Weather (When to Go)

Being so close to the equator, Palau enjoys a steady warm climate all year round with an average temperature of 86°F. Dry season runs November to April with maximum temperatures of 90°F and lows of 81°F. Humidity is high all year round.

The high season in Palau is December – March. During this time hotels are going to be hard to find, and reserving your hotel early is essential. Hotel prices will be 50% higher than any other time of the year. The seas are calm and the weather is dry. This is the premium time for diving, so dive sites will be crowded. The shoulder season is April, July, August, October and November. During this time you will find great discounts on hotels and availability. The downside is that this when Palau see heavy rainfall. Winds whip up the waves and some dive sites are not accessible. An alternative to the high season is the low season during May, June and September. Hotel prices will be about 30% lower than in high season, and airfares will also be lower flying into Palau. There will be fewer travelers, so dive sites will not be crowded.

Getting Around Palau

There’s no public transport in Palau. Getting a car rental is the only way to see Koror and Babeldaob independently. You’ll find rental car agencies in Koror and at the airport and prices start at around US$40 to US$45 per day with unlimited mileage. There are also a number of operators that can organize tours and day trips from Koror.

Best Attractions in Palau

Ngatpang Waterfall

Fancy a dip? Make a beeline for this little jungle waterfall that drops into a broad pool. It’s only a five-minute walk down the main road, but there’s no sign. To get there from Koror, follow the road to the airport and turn left (west) at the T-junction just after the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. Follow this road for about 12.5km until you see the rusty remnants of a plane on your right; the path leading to the waterfall is just across the road.

Purple Beach

On Peleliu’s east coast, this stellar stretch of white sand lapped by emerald waters is ideal for splashing about, sunbathing or picnicking.

WWII Memorial Museum

Housed in a concrete building that was a dispensary during WWII, this well-organised museum is an excellent starting point to understand the historical significance of the battle for Peleliu. It contains a fine collection of period photographs and war artifacts, including weapons, uniforms and proclamations.Justacross the road, a path leads to WhiteBeach.

Ngardmau Waterfall

One of Babeldaob’s premier attractions, Ngardmau Waterfall flows from Palau’s tallest peak, 217m-high Mt Ngerchelchuus. It’s the tallest waterfall in Micronesia. It can be accessed on foot – a tough but rewarding 20- to 30-minute hike along a jungle path – or, for the less energetic, by a clunky monorail. A dip in the cool pools at the base of the falls is not to be missed.

Peleliu Peace Memorial Park

On the southwestern tip of the island, the Japanese government built this memorial in 1985 for those who perished on Palau during WWII. The monument comprises a rectangular concrete block with basaltic inlays, supported by two massive concrete slabs. During a visit in April 2015, Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko offered flowers and prayers at the cenotaph.

Things to Do in Palau

Palau Dive Adventures

At Palau Dive Adventures, they offer small, flexible, flawlessly organized dive adventures. You choose the dive spots you want to see and they take care of everything else. Live-Aboard Adventures by day, shore based freedom and comfort at night. Their impeccably organized 5-day itinerary packs in 13 stunning dives (plus 2 land tour options) during the day, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the culture,conveniences and comfort of the island at night. For more information call +680 488 5387, or visit them on the web at Palau Dive Adventures.

Sam’s Tours Palau

Sam’s Tours, a PADI Five Star IDC Facility, is Palau’s most award-winning dive center, eco-adventure tour company and home to the SY Palau Siren. They provide a full range of guided tours and services that includes full day or half-day trips and customized private charters for individuals, families and groups. Complete value-packed hotel & tour packages are offered in conjunction with Palau’s preferred hotel properties. Complimentary round trip shuttle service is provided daily to all Koror based hotels from early morning until late evening. For more information call +680 488 7267, or visit them on the web at Sam’s Tours Palau.

Pacific Mission Aviation

It is said that you must see Palau from under water, from the beach and from the air. They’d love to help with that last one! They operate two Cessna 206’s for trips to Peleliu and Angaur, scenic flights, and charter flights. For more information call +680 587 4567, or visit them on the web at Pacific Mission Aviation.

Peleliu Adventures

Guided WWII historical tours of Peleliu. Sites visited will include Japanese tanks and planes, US tanks, Japanese HQ, Battle sites, WWII Historical museum and more. For more information call +680 345 2090, or visit them on the web at Peleliu Adventures.

Best Palau Restaurants

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Drop Off Bar & Grill

The Drop Off has a great selection of fish delivered daily from the harbour, including blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and red snapper. It’s also known for its knockout burgers, kebabs (skewers) and sashimi. The open-air terrace overlooking the marina is perfect for enjoying the cool, ocean breezes. Even if you aren’t dining, it’s a great place to pause for a drink. For more information call +680 488 7505, or visit them on the web at Drop Off Bar & Grill.

Elilai Restaurant & Bar

Currently the best spot in the city for real gourmet cuisine, Elilai has achieved a fantastic reputation thanks to its painstakingly constructed menu featuring Palauan and Asian dishes with a contemporary twist. Start with fabulous local crustaceans – the ukaeb (Palauan land crab) is succulent – then dig into a mangrove clam risotto, grilled tuna, or pork ribs, all beautifully presented. There are vegetarian options, too. The elegant decor, airy spaces, light music and outstanding views of Koror bay add to the appeal – visit when the sun’s going down for the ultimate dining experience. For more information call +680 488 8866, or visit them on the web at Elilai Restaurant & Bar.

Katey’s Healing Garden

Delicious food, healthy ingredients, a serene setting and cracking views from the terrace – if you’re after an authentic Palauan experience, this place is hard to beat. The charismatic owner is committed to using traditional recipes based on local, organic produce. There’s also first-rate coffee and vitamin-packed fruit juices. For more information call +680 488 2200, or visit them on the web at Katey’s Healing Garden.

Krämers Bar & Restaurant

This popular restaurant next to the ferry dock on Malakal Island is great, thanks to its breezy verandah with great bay views, eclectic menu and jovial atmosphere. Dishes on offer might include blackened sashimi, BBQ banana-wrapped fish, and pumpkin schnitzel (a delicious vegetarian dish). The bar here is a lively meet-and-greet zone and stays open until 2am. For more information call +608 488 8448, or visit them on the web at Krämers Bar & Restaurant.

The Taj

One of the most reputable restaurants in town, the Taj serves authentic, richly flavoured korma, curry and tandoori dishes, all prepared with the best ingredients available. Tandoori chicken is brought to your table impaled on what looks like a short sword. A good selection of vegetarian options also grace the menu. Crisp, elegant and fresh food, served by lovely sari-clad staff. For more information call +608 488 2227, or visit them on the web at The Taj.

Best Palau Hotels

Ocean Star Hotel

Boasting a garden and a terrace, Ocean Star Hotel is located in Koror. This 4-star hotel offers free shuttle service and free WiFi. There is a restaurant and a shared lounge. The units are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms come with a private bathroom and a hair dryer, and certain rooms come with a balcony. At the hotel, rooms have a seating area. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes buffet and Asian options. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit Ocean Star Hotel.

Palau Hotel

Palau Hotel is centrally located in Koror, just 5 minutes’ walk from the waterfront. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Palau Hotel is 1 minute walk from a variety of shops and dining options, including a supermarket and local restaurants. It is 10 minutes’ drive from Koror Airport. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a TV with satellite channels, including Chinese channels. The offer a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries including a toothbrush and toothpaste. Some rooms include sea views. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit Palau Hotel.

Palau Royal Resort

Surround yourself among the cool blue waters by this hotel in Palau and enrich yourself with bright smiles of the island people. Spacious & clean guest rooms with a gorgeous view of quiet ocean or a relaxing harbor scene over the balcony of each rooms, or fantastic dining restaurant & Bar surrounded by green garden, sea and the private beach in the hotel facility, etc will ensure your journey unforgettable. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit Palau Royal Resort.

Hey i really enjoyed this article, it was very informative. I would love to take a vacation to some of these places. I have never got to leave the states but i would love to and check out these nice places! Keep up the good work! You had lot of information to share!

This all seems amazing and I am loving Palau! I had never heard of it, but when doing some research for my next travel destination, I came across your wonderful site! There are a lot of places that don’t get as much recognition as the big vacation spots, which seems to be the case for Palau. It looks like the perfect vacation spot!

No, you do not hear a lot about Palau, and most have not heard of it. You are right! It is the perfect vacation spot! I hope you can experience this wonderful destination. If you need any additional information, please let me know.

Palau really looks amazing! I have been reading and hearing so many wonderful things about this place that I wish I could visit it in the near future. We have our very own beautiful Boracay White Sand Beach here in the Philippines but I think Palau is nothing like it.

I am curious about the purple beach. I don’t know what’s with me and colored beaches, lol. I guess I am just used to the ordinary beaches in our place that whenever I hear something about a beach of extraordinary color, I become very interested. I’m not saying the purple beach is all that I find attractive in Palau. Ngatpang and Ngardmau Waterfalls are definitely a “must see.”

By the way, if I were to travel to Palau from Manila, Philippines, how long will the flight take? And do you think there’s a direct flight?

You live in a wonderful place Alice! I actually just did a review on Boracay 🙂 You also live fairly close to Palau, with just a 3 hour direct flight! I think you will find it a bit unique, yes especially with the purple beach 🙂 Thanks for visiting!

Palau sounds like a nice place to be right now, especially with the cold weather we have had here in New England. Understandable that this would be the beginning of the high season. I love the waterfalls there. I’ve never seen any like them. The hotels sound really nice there. How would you rate Palau with other small islands around there?

Very thorough website. You have it all covered. Wish I was a beach person. Was when I was younger. Love dipping my toes in the cool mountain springs. You have a lot of great comments. Your personality shows itself in the sight. I like how you are open to comments at the bottom of each page. Lots of useful information. Very informative.

Thank you so much Kirk and glad you enjoyed your visit even though you are no long a beach person. I hope that I will always be a beach person….its just in my blood LOL. Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment.

Palau travel guide is by far one of the most attractive articles I have read in a long time I really love this article it makes me want to go to Palau which is going to be a great place to visit. I really love this informative article. I will be looking into this as my next vacation the weather sounds wonderful. I’m making this website my travel destination headquarters.

This sounds like a beautiful holiday destination!!! It would be interesting to go and see the WWII relics scattered in the jungle, that would be something I would enjoy, and the snorkelling of course!! The Ngardmau Waterfall looks amazing, that would be my first attraction to visit and I probably wouldn’t want to leave!! Thanks for sharing, Cheers!!!

You mostly hear about the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands for beach destination but I’ve never thought about going to Palau… But why not? After reading your article, I think it could be an exciting option!

The Ngardmau Waterfalls (won’t even try to pronounce it) especially seem really beautiful and a wonderful destination for me to go visit in my next backpacking trip!

WoW that’s really amazing destination for sure , very informative and every time I read one of your articles I learn something new. Your articles always provide new information about amazing places to visit. One question please: How do I get to Palau? I am adding this to my bucket list and might have to start planning. Thanks in advance

Thanks for visiting Aly and great question. If you are planning your Palau vacation you should fly to one of the five international gateways and then to Palau Roman Tmetuchl International Airport. The five gateways are Yap, Manilla, Taiwan, Seoul and Guam. It really depends where you are located, as to which of these cities you will fly into. Then you will fly into Palau Roman Tmetuchi International airport. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hey Leahre! How are you doing? I really enjoyed reading this article as you’ve provided us with lots of information. Palau is kinda affordable for me so I’ll be adding it on my wishlist. I really enjoy scuba diving as I’ve done it previously in Maldives but I’m planning to do it again here as well. By the way, which is the nearest airport?

If given the opportunity, I’d like to have a swim in one of the beautiful beaches and visit the Ngardmau waterfall, which looks like a mini-Niagara falls. For now, I can only enjoy the beaches locally in my hometown in the Philippines, which I know are comparable to those tourist destinations around the world.

You are very welcome Marita. And you are right, the beaches in the Philippines ARE comparable. I think that the Philippines has some of the most beautiful beaches, hands down. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me some comments.

Oh my goodness! I would not mind a beach right now at all. It got cold the last few days and was around 30F! I have never heard of this location. Now I have yet another beach to dream about visiting. lol Thank you for all of the tips. I really love it!!

I’m always drawn to a place by the cuisine more than anything else, what can I say, I’m a massive foodie, and Palau looks like it has some great offerings. Katey’s Healing Garden caught my eye specifically because of the organic produce, so I would be in my element there ha ha.

But food apart, it also looks like such a beautiful place… that waterfall, wow!And the scenery and beaches look gorgeous, I would love this place any time of year I reckon. This is a place for my parents too as they are literally obsessed with World War 2 – so great holiday destination for all my family.

Very nice place to travel to for vacation or just visit for the heck of it. First thing I can say about this Island is that I have never heard of it before but it is really a exciting looking place to go. The waterfall is amazing and I would love to swim there. It seems like it would be a more secluded place with not many people or traffic I may be wrong but don’t think so. A really great destinatin to travel to.

You are right Fred, the waterfall is not going to have a lot of people or you won’t find a lot of traffic. Most go here for diving, one of the top 10 diving locations in the world. Thanks for reading my Palau Travel Guide!

Wow, this place looks beautiful. I hadn’t even heard of it, how embarrassing! I love to travel so next time it comes to booking I will definitely check this place out, it ticks all the boxes for me. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, it is definitely very important!!